Personal responsibility and coping with the past

While factors such as genetics and early experiences can influence the predisposition to anxiety or unhappiness, this does not imply absolute determinism.

Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in building one's own well-being and in constructively dealing with the past.

Influence of the Past, Not Determinism

Experiences during childhood and adolescence, especially painful ones such as abandonment, teasing, or significant losses, can leave a deep emotional mark if the resources to deal with them appropriately were not available.

The nervous system can store these experiences as "alarm signals" that are activated in the present.

Social anxiety, for example, often has its roots in these early stages.

However, recognizing this influence does not mean that the past irremediably condemns the present or the future.

With awareness and dedicated personal work, it is possible Breaking learned patterns and building new, healthier, and more fulfilling ways of living.

Taking Responsibility for Change

The key to transforming the influence of the past and building greater well-being lies in taking personal responsibility.

This involves, first and foremost, "listening to the message that anxiety brings," without resisting it, as an initial step towards being able to manage it effectively.

It's not about blaming yourself for feeling anxious, but about taking an active role in the change process.

This responsibility can include seeking specialized professional help when necessary, committing to learned coping strategies, and making a conscious decision to focus on progress rather than unattainable perfection.

The Conscious Choice to Focus on the Positive

Anxiety is often fueled by "future-focused" and rumination over negative or catastrophic scenarios.

To counteract this tendency, self-acceptance and self-compassion are crucial.

Accepting emotions with kindness allows us to navigate difficult processes with less emotional burden.

A fundamental part of personal responsibility is the conscious choice to focus on the positive aspects of life and to "count our blessings."

Although the brain tends toward negativity, we can train it to pay more attention to the good, which gradually transforms our perspective and promotes greater well-being.